US President Donald Trump has assigned the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate Elon Musk's federal contracts. This statement was made in the context of escalating tensions between Mr. Trump and Mr. Musk, who were once one of the closest allies of the owner of the White House.
When asked if he would consider deporting Elon Musk - a naturalized US citizen born in South Africa - Mr. Trump replied: "I don't know, but we will consider it." The president also affirmed: Maybe DOGE will have to eat Elon. DOGE is a monster that can come back to handle him. Mr. Trump emphasized that Elon Musk has received many subsidies from the government.
President Trump mentioned Elon Musk's anger at the Washington administration's decision to end mandatory obligations to electric vehicles because "not everyone wants to drive an electric vehicle". Previously, Mr. Trump posted on the social network Truth Social that Elon Musk had long known that he opposed the policy of requiring everyone to use electric vehicles, even though Elon Musk himself had publicly supported him in the election.
The US president also said that without subsidies, Elon Musk could have to close companies and return to South Africa, and that would help the US save all of its fortune by no longer spending on his missile launch, satellite or electric vehicle manufacturing projects. "Should we let DOGE carefully study this case? Can save a lot of money!! !" Mr. Trump wrote.
The situation became more tense after Mr. Musk resigned as head of DOGE due to dissatisfaction with Mr. Trump's "beautiful" budget bill. The bill increases the debt cap by $5,000 billion, prompting Elon Musk to strongly criticize it, saying it completely destroys his federal budget-saving efforts.
On social network X, Musk wrote: Any congresswoman who has promised to cut spending but voted for the largest public debt increase in history feels ashamed. They will lose in the primary election next year, if that is the last thing I do on this planet."
He also continued to call for the establishment of a new American Party to replace what he called the Democratic- replican League, to ensure the people have a real voice.